Germany: Willi Mack passed away

Willi Mack (born 24 Nov 1922), last member of the sixth "Mack generation" passed away on Sunday night at the blessed age of 99. In 1948, together with his brothers Hermann (†) and Franz Mack (†), he took over the responsibility in his father's carriage construction and carousel factory in Waldkirch (today: Mack Rides), which was already founded in 1780.

As a long-time partner of Mack Rides, Willi Mack spent his entire professional life building fairground wagons, carousels and roller coasters. The company's product range included not only accommodation and sales wagons, but also special vehicles needed for carousels, go-kart tracks and multi-storey ghost trains, among other things. More than 65 years ago, "Uncle Willi", who is still affectionately known today, was already building cars and model railways with his godson Roland Mack – the founder and co-owner of Europa-Park. Even in the last ten years, "Uncle Willi" was often present when new attractions were inaugurated at Europa-Park. As a test pilot, he enjoyed going on the roller coasters in the park with his nephew Roland until the end – for example, on VR coaster rides in the "Alpen-Express" or on the "Ba-a-a-Express" in the Ireland-themed area that opened in 2016 (cp EAP 5/2016) - proving that he still loved the speedy rides. Willi Mack was always proud of what the two following generations of the Mack family have developed with a lot of heart and soul to this day. And with great confidence in the manufacturing quality of the Waldkirch roller coaster specialists of Mack Rides, he always fancied with a ride on the catapult roller coaster "Blue Fire" ... A life for the leisure industry has come to an end. (eap)